I have 2 Skodas and I am in need of a OBD2 tool.

I spent a few hours last night watching reviews, reading posts etc.

I can't make my mind up over what to buy. Cost-benefit is the issue.

 

VCDS unlimited VIN hex Can v2. £450 or £575 if wireless version bought. Does full error codes , live data and adaptations to modules. I have watched the 'humble mechanic' Youtube videos , read the adaptations list on Briskoda , and so.

 

I am primarily interested in using VCDS for maintenance of my cars. The adaptations mentioned are few in number, but good to know about. The Octavia 3 LK I have has a lot of options in the menu already. Things that look attractive to me are Dimming LEDs on indicating and enabling tailgating closing using touch button in car (not VCDS but VCP only?)

What can VCDS do that would be useful to a mechanically minded person? 

 

For instance,from my understanding AGM batteries need coding when replacing to enable full charging/ use of battery capacity?

Coding new hardware eg local independent tried fitting new power steering pump on 2015 A1 Audi but it would not communicate with car. Needed coding , apparently.

 

Timing belt change? There was an option to adjust/ tell car it has got a new timing belt. I saw this in menu of VCDS during a Youtube review by humble mechanic . This might not be available to all cars I know.

Opening electronic  thermostats to change coolant to avoid trapped air etc. 

DSG gearbox oil change and filter. Temperature live data.

Tire pressure monitoring sensor replacement?

 

Foxwell NT520 £188 or 510 £122 for VAG cars. In addition to what the lower priced vVgate450does it allows live data and bidirectional (user activation) of control modules. Some coding allowed but probably less user friendly. 

Plus I don't need my laptop.

 

At the moment I'd buy VCDS but there is a huge knowledge gap. Very little guides from RossTech and on Youtube.

I don't know if it will be £200 more useful than a Foxwell tool?

 

Anyone actually used VCDS for maintenance and can comment on what useful info it produced? Thanks 

 

 

 

You can buy a 3 VIN HEX-V2 for £225 and the upgrade to 10 VIN / unlimited as and when / if needed for $169. 
 

VCDS should be able to do the tailgate close as well on the Octavia (it’s the Superb that needs VCP) 

58 minutes ago, Gizmo said:

You can buy a 3 VIN HEX-V2 for £225

I like the unlimited version. Friends with VAG cars, being helpful to them, in my nature etc. 

Also, if sold on the unlimited VIN would not need a new license? 

 

It is not entirely the money factor. If I can't use the adaptations or they will not be useful, then I cannot justify even the extra £30 to 40 difference.

 

I have just watched a video showing the Foxwell 520pro doing a battery registration. It didn't state car manufacturer or model though.

 

Forgot to mention what device can do forced regens and monitoring DPF.

Edited 23 November, 20196 yr by bmbmdmb

21 minutes ago, bmbmdmb said:

Also, if sold on the unlimited VIN would not need a new license?

The new license applies to any version when the owner is changed, look on it as a change of registered ownership charge.

Thanks.

Just found out there is a Foxwell nt530 which supports PSA Renault and a few other  brands supporting all other 2018 19 models.

 

The choice is overwhelming and difficult to find out exactly what each tool does or does not do.

Edited 23 November, 20196 yr by bmbmdmb

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Just found this, but the How To Guides page does not work. 

 

 

And these Chinese knock offs

http://www.foxwelltool.co.uk

 

Almost convincing with the .Co.UK address. 

 

Genuine company? See below

https://www.foxwelluk.co.uk/index.php

 

Edited 23 November, 20196 yr by bmbmdmb

Update

Vgate450 works only on certain VAG cars usually 2008 or before.

 

A few reviewers have blasted Foxwell offerings. They don't do everything they offer. 

 

I might just buy VCDS and treat myself...

 

15 hours ago, bmbmdmb said:

I might just buy VCDS and treat myself...

You won't regret it - I've had a VCDS cable (first HEX-CAN now HEX-NET) and over the years it has paid for itself many times over in saved dealer visits and tweaks, plus beer earned doing tweaks for others.

 

Plus get yourself verified on the Ross-Tech forum and you'll get help from experts worldwide on VAG repairing and tweaking for no extra cost.

Edited 25 November, 20196 yr by PetrolDave

Is the VCDS software in the cable / dongle? or comes with a CD or downloaded?

I ask, because if it is a one off download I don't want to have to buy again if laptop dies etc

 

Gendan confirmed the foxwelltools are a Chinese copy. Buyer beware...

 

 

You can download on as many devices you want as the licence is in the interface 

10 hours ago, bmbmdmb said:

Is the VCDS software in the cable / dongle? or comes with a CD or downloaded?

If a "VCDS" cable comes with a CD having the English version of VCDS then it's 99.999999999% a rip-off copy (downloaded updates are free  while you own the cable so there is no need to supply a CD).

 

Only exception is non-English versions of VCDS where many (most?) Ross Tech international distributors provide the local language version of VCDS on a CD - but you can also run the (downloaded) English version in parallel.

 

I have two different Ross-Tech cables and run VCDS on three different PCs - all kept updated with free downloads.

2 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

comes with a CD

Not bought it yet.

I was trying to weigh up whether a 2nd lower cost laptop is necessary.

It seems it is not from what Gizmo states. Thanks all.

 

There is a Black Friday offer on now BTW.

Cheers

4 hours ago, Gizmo said:

licence is in the interface